Pennine Waterways News

Wednesday, 25 March 2009

In what was intended to be a low-key ceremony, the Liverpool Canal Link was officially opened today in front of huge crowds at the Pier Head.

Mayor of Liverpool Steve Rotheram, with other invited guests, travelled along the Link from Princes Dock aboard the Pride of Sefton. The boat emerged from the tunnel at the Pier Head to loud cheers.

British Waterways Chairman Tony Hales thanks the crowd for coming and praises the successful efforts of the various parties that have worked together to ensure the creation of the link. The Mayor of Liverpool, Steve Rotheram, then said that the Pier Head was now a must-see destination.

The actual opening was carried out by a group of children from New Park Primary School, who unveiled a plaque.

The Pride of Sefton then continued into the final tunnel towards Mann Island Lock and Canning Dock.

It passed through the new lock at Mann Island and entered Canning Dock. After travelling through the famous Albert Dock, it moored up in Salthouse Dock for the guests to disembark. It was joined by the flotilla of boats that had travelled down into Liverpool for the opening.

The Link will not open for boaters properly until April 20th. More information for boaters considering coming to Liverpool can be found here.

Larger versions of these photos, along with others, can be found on this new page.